Agrium planning layoffs at Nikiski plant
NIKISKI (AP) The Agrium fertilizer plant here is expecting to announce layoffs in the coming weeks. The company says the layoffs are needed to stay competitive in the international fertilizer market.

Anchorage boys death is ruled a drowning
ANCHORAGE (AP) An autopsy shows that one of the young Anchorage brothers who were missing two weeks had accidentally drowned in the partially frozen pond where their bodies were found.

Rescue crew re-creates dangerous mission
ANCHORAGE (AP) A sports camera crew is in Alaska filming a much different but perhaps even more challenging endeavor members of the Alaska Air National Guard as they fly a helicopter next to mountain walls and lower pararescue jumpers to the rocks below.

Capital roiled with gambling debate
JUNEAU (AP) Gambling is a hot issue in Alaska's capital as legislators consider a proposal to boost state revenues by allowing video gambling machines in bars and clubs.

Native corporation Koniag wants to invest in gas line
KODIAK (AP) The Native corporation Koniag Inc. has joined a growing number of companies in the Pacific Star Energy consortium, a group of Alaska companies hoping to own a slice of a pipeline to deliver North Slope natural gas to the Lower 48.

Lopez grand slam wins it in 10th for Braves
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico Island favorite Javy Lopez hit his second homer of the game, a grand slam in the 10th inning that set off a festive celebration and sent the Atlanta Braves over the Montreal Expos 14-8 Thursday for a three-game sweep.

Students fight hunger with pennies
The Kenai Peninsula Food Bank wishes to thank Rosy Thompson, Soldotna After the Bell coordinator, and the Soldotna Middle School seventh- and eighth-grade students who participated in the "Pennies War" for the collection of $388.12 toward fighting hunger on the Kenai Peninsula.

Caring for the Kenai Winners
The 13 finalists in the Caring for the Kenai contest shared nearly $13,500 in cash prizes for their winning ideas. The following is a list of winners, the amount of money each won individually and for their school's science department, and the student's idea

Bill promotes volunteerism among retired health workers
In an effort to encourage physicians and other health-care workers to continue providing services to Alaskans as volunteers after they retire, Rep. Paul Seaton, R-Homer, has introduced a bill that would provide them immunity from civil damages should they be sued.

ANWR unlikely in 2003
There are valid arguments that it is in the country's interest to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil exploration, but politics is keeping just enough members of the U.S. Senate from supporting the idea with their votes to prevent it from happening, Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkow-ski said Wed-nesday in Kenai.

Smoking ban will go into effect in October
Starting in October, Kenai restaurant patrons will be able to enjoy the aroma of their food without it being overpowered by tobacco smoke, whether they would rather smoke or not.

Group takes novel approach to boosting moose numbers
I am writing to tell of an interesting meeting I had on April 3 with a new organization in our state. Three individuals with the Alaska Moose Federation, including the chairman, the secretary-treasurer and the chief photo

Church Briefs
Carnival to help Tool Time program
Gospel hour planned for Soldotna Senior Center
Resurrection story presented tonight
National prayer day slated
Friendship closet open Wednesdays
Healing Rooms open every Friday and Saturday
Christian group sponsors poetry contest
Writers sought for faith anthology

Nuns, seeking prayer, not profits, turn to technology
WRENTHAM, Mass. (AP) The 50 Cistercian Sisters of Mount Saint Mary Abbey rise each morning at 3, pray until nearly 8 and then begin their work day making chocolate, the labor they have chosen to support themselves and their life of what they call beautiful simplicity.''

New York Archdiocese suspends background checks
NEW YORK (AP) The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York temporarily suspended background checks on priests and other employees that were instituted recently in response to the church's sex abuse scandal.

Area churches plan Good Friday, Easter services this weekend
Abundant Life Assembly
Apostolic Assembly of Christ
Our Lady of Perpetual Help
Peninsula Grace Brethren
North Star United Methodist
Our Lady of the Angels
MoAdim Messianic Fellowship
Soldotna Bible Chapel
Soldotna Church of the Nazarene
Sterling Lutheran Church
St. Francis by the Sea Episcopal
Star of the North Lutheran
United Methodist Church of the New Covenant

Focus on the Family announces new leader
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) Focus on the Family, a major evangelical media ministry, announced that chairman James Dobson is turning over some duties to former Reagan Cabinet member Don Hodel so he can spend more time speaking and writing.

New Jersey, Ottawa earn first-round series victories
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. Martin Brodeur rebounded from a rare bad performance with his second shutout of this postseason as the New Jersey Devils eliminated the Boston Bruins with a 3-0 victory in Game 5 Thursday night.

Experiment under way to help Yukons Chisana caribou herd
WHITEHORSE, Yukon (AP) The very existence of the Chisana woodland caribou herd may depend on the success of a unique experiment under way in southwest Yukon to save more newborn calves, says territorial caribou biologist Rick Farnell.